Barbara T. Kelly

Hoosick – Barbara T. Kelly, 80, passed away on Monday, November 5, 2012, at her home on Babcock Lake Road in Hoosick, NY. She had resided there with her husband, Callan J. Kelly. Barbara’s first husband, Howard G. Martin, died in 1974.
Born on June 6, 1932, in West Haven, CT, Barbara was the daughter of the late Frank D. and Dorotha E. (Hallenbeck) Travis. She graduated from West Haven High School and attended business school in New Haven, CT. Barbara worked as a secretary for an insurance company; she later worked as a receptionist and switchboard operator at the YMCA in New Haven.
After starting a family with her first husband, she began a career as a foster parent. She was a dedicated foster parent for over twenty-five years, providing a loving, stable home for dozens of children, several of whom were adopted by Barb and Cal. Barb was a member of the St. Stanislaw Society in Hoosick Falls, NY.
Barb was the central figure, the matriarch, of her family. She enjoyed birdwatching, gardening and interior design, but the central theme of her life was gathering and enjoying her family and friends in beautiful celebrations of holidays and special occasions. She was a joy to those around her, making everyone laugh with her wry, dry and apt sense of humor.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Cal, her daughters, Christina E. Kelly-Whitney (Maude Rich), Catherine April Kelly and Janet F. Bumstead and husband Frank, her son, Michael Mozdzierz, her step-son, Steven Kelly and wife Ingrid, her sister, Virginia T. Lavin, her grandsons, David and Jonah Kelly-Whitney, and many beloved nieces and nephews. She is pre-deceased by her first husband, Howard, and a daughter, Robin L. Sharp.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, November 7, at 6 pm from the Mahar Funeral Home, 43 Main Street in Hoosick Falls. Relatives and friends called at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4 pm until the start of the service. Services will also be held in West Haven from the Keenan Funeral Home, 238 Elm Street in West Haven, CT. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 11 am until the start of the service at 1 pm. Burial will follow the service at the Beaverdale Memorial Cemetery in New Haven. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Rensselaer, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY, 12144.
Her daughter, Christina Kelly-Whitney, will welcome shiva visitors at her home, 191 Ashland Street, unit 107, North Adams, MA, on Sunday, November 11, from 1 to 3 pm and again at 5:30 pm with shiva minyan at 6:30. Shiva will continue Monday through Thursday with minyan at 6:30 pm.